When Coach was founded in early 1940s Manhattan, the emphasis was on quality American leather goods that were as functional as they were stylish. Every product - from a lady's handbag to a gentleman's briefcase - was notable for both the quality of material (thick, supple leather, sturdy hardware) and reasonable price.
But by the late '90s/early 2000s their handbags had gone from chic classics to the ultimate status symbol in the high school mean-girl hierarchy (Dooney & Bourke placed a close second).
Now Coach is seeking to stake a claim in high-end markets normally reserved for the likes of Louis Vuitton. Earlier this year Coach launched Coach Legacy, a line of $500-$800 purses and $10,000 alligator handbags.
Not quite "affordable luxury," their original catchphrase.
The clearest expression of where Coach has set their sights?
Their new horse and buggy logo, which looks an awful lot like Hermes'.
Is Coach the scheming social climber of the handbag world?
-- NATALIE GUEVARA
posted by Eli
Oct 02, 2007 3:54PM
In their defense, I guess, their name is "coach"